Ferret Epithelium, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing the diagnosis of an allergy to ferret epithelium. It helps define the allergen responsible for eliciting allergy signs and symptoms. The test identifies allergens responsible for allergic responses and/or anaphylactic episodes, confirms sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy, and investigates the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request form with the specimen. For a listing of allergens available for testing, see the provided Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies PDF. The specimen must be centrifuged and aliquoted into a plastic vial.
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists or in patients where medical management does not depend on allergen specificity. Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity might have measurable levels of IgE antibodies, requiring clinical context for interpretation. False-positive results may occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE due to nonspecific binding.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 11172-4
- 11172-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL for every 5 allergens requested
Minimum Volume
For 1 allergen: 0.3 mL; For more than 1 allergen: (0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25 mL dead space
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred) for 14 days or frozen for 90 days.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |